Weitz & Luxenberg Responds to Proposed “Ban Asbestos in America Act”

May 14, 2007, New York, NY—Many people in the United States incorrectly believe that asbestos has been banned here and that there is no risk of exposure through the use of new commercial products. In fact, the United States Geological Survey reported that, in 2006, the U.S. used 2,000 metric tons of asbestos, 55 percent of which were used in roofing products, 26 percent in coatings, and 19 percent in friction products such as vehicle brakes and clutches.

With these dangers in mind, two months ago, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) re-introduced the Ban Asbestos in America Act. The Act seeks, in part, to launch public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos, and to expand research and treatment of asbestos-related diseases.

Charles Ferguson, head of Asbestos Litigation at Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., said, “Given the misperceptions people have about asbestos and its grave health risks, it is imperative that the public become fully informed of its continued commercial use.”

Weitz & Luxenberg represents numerous individuals who have serious injuries related to asbestos, including mesothelioma (a malignant tumor of the covering of the lung or the lining of the pleural and abdominal cavities), lung cancer and asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment). Many people develop the disease through second-hand exposure, for example, after coming in contact with the asbestos fibers when washing the clothes of someone who worked with it. Such cases can be immensely difficult to prove, yet Weitz & Luxenberg consistently prevails despite many obstacles.

Ferguson offers a reason for this: “Our attorneys prepare all our trial cases personally,” he said. “We never farm work out to other law firms or attorneys.”

The firm is known for spearheading asbestos cases, among others, securing a jury verdict in 2006 ordering DaimlerChrysler AG to pay $25 million to Alfred D'Ulisse, 73, a New York City brake reliner who lost his right lung to mesothelioma. In 2002, the firm won a $53 million verdict for a brake mechanic suffering from mesothelioma, and a $49 million dollar verdict for a boilermaker who died from mesothelioma. Weitz and Luxenberg’s successes date back to 1991, when we won a historic consolidated trial involving men who had worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the 1940s and 1950s. Weitz & Luxenberg represented 36 clients in that case and secured verdicts of $75 million. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions more.

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